Had a fantastic week. Some new / fresh snow on Monday and Tuesday with heaps of fresh powder runs, especially if you are prepared to bootpack to Hamilton peak. Still got plenty of first tracks days later and steep(er) terrain. Nice hike with great views to Craigieburn opening more terrain. Good atmospere, food and very friendly.
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Came here for a weekend from Oz. Stayed on mountain. Double room was basic but did the job. Food was outstanding and friendliness of people first class, in the lodge and on the slopes. Lyndon Lodge does not have a liquor licence so bring your own if you need something to celebrate your day of carving.

Palmer lodge does great pizzas and tasty BR beer but bringing your own food supplies is the way to go. All rubbish must be taken out with you. A good idea. Getting up to the first rope tow is a great 'warm-up'. Layers came off as we hiked up! Once the rope tow is mastered the mountain is all yours. On three bluebird days with absolutely no wind, there was hardly another person to be seen. Maybe 80 people in total on the Saturday. Wow! Chopped powder really makes you work hard but even after three days with no fresh snow, some untracked lines can be found. Not a place for beginners or really young children. Although there were some 4 year-olds who had the rope tow covered. Obviously locals.

This is truly skiing's soul. The aches and pains and sweat are all worth it when the sun goes down and everyone gets together and shares stories at days end. If you have some energy left, there is also night skiing on Fridays - bring a head lamp!

If you consider yourself a real skier, a NZ club field must be done...and this is the one. A beautiful hike over to Craigieburn is doable too. Double your options at no extra cost.
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Don't be fooled by what the crowds say, as Broken River is a hidden gem alright. Not quite as steep as Craigieburn but the snow can be better. And you can always hop over to Craigieburn for a couple of runs on the same ski pass...awesome.

Good open skiing is to be had down the main face and then there are the steeper chutes and cliff as you work your way around to skier's left. And that's when the fun begins as everything from there to the Craigieburn ski boundary is long runs and often dry light snow even late into the day (this area gets shade first in the afternoon). Some awesome awesome skiing can be had here.

But it is definitely more crowded here than at Craigieburn, though crowded is only a relative word. The plus side though is the day hut where you can hang out with all the other happy folk out on the deck and there are even lots of other telemarkers around. Very friendly with good variety and though the beginner's area is limited with only one small tow, most of the mountain is intermediate and advanced.

Can often get skied out though as most of the folk like to stick to the main front face...which only means the goods are left to those who are up for a hike. Get here and be merry.
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Broken River has a traditional “skiwi” culture with no attitude. It’s perfect for powderhounds with an adventurous spirit.

Pros of the ski area include: a lack of crowds so there’s a high likelihood of skiing freshies; it’s often open when foul weather closes nearby ski fields; BR has a small amount of mild terrain for intermediates; and great ski touring opportunities. The atmosphere of staying on-mountain is all part of getting into the “skiwi” culture, and BR offers great value for money.

As is typical of NZ club fields cons include: “no frills” lift infrastructure; a reasonably small ski area; and limited facilities and basic accommodation on-mountain.

The new inclinometer cable car up from the car park is a huge bonus for the ski field, although from there you still have another 15 minute hike up to the first tow. Consider this as a little warm-up for the day’s activities.
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